Process for calendering knit fabrics

ABSTRACT

Light weight knit fabrics of reduced air permeability and light transmission as well as decreased susceptibility to snagging are provided by a calendering process that involves selecting a dyed knit fabric composed of fibers from the group of (1) at least 40% by weight of polyester fiber and from 0 to 60% by weight of a fiber of the group consisting of wool, cotton, nylon, and acrylic fiber or (2) about 5-30% by weight of a spandex fiber and from 70 to 95% by weight of a fiber of the group consisting of wool, cotton, nylon, polyester and acrylic fiber and calendering the back side of the fabric at a calender roll temperature between about 200° to 320° F., at a calender roll pressure of between about 0.5 to 1.0 ton per linear inch and at a calender roll surface speed of from 10 to 30 yards per minute.



